In The Seats with...

This business moves fast...We're in the thick of awards consideration season, and when we talked to our next guest for our 750th episode he was a one time Academy Award nominee....now he's a TWO time nominee.On this episode we sit down with musician/composer Jerskin Fendrix about his work on 'Bugonia', getting the call from Yorgos Lanthimos, the realities of working in film and TV for musicians, the madness that is awards season and what ultimately matters about it all at the end of the day.'Bugonia' has been nominated for 4 Acadamy Awards and is available to catch up with on 4K, Blu-Ray and all major VOD providers.

We're showing our age with the hope that is in 80's Rock Docs.On this episode we are seeing the collision of two of our biggest passions; film restoration and 80's Pop Culture Rock Docs.  It's time for 'The Long Way Home'.From the late Michael Apted, and restored from the only existing 16mm print, supervised by producer Steven Lawrence and editor Susanne Rostock. 'The Long Way Home: Remastered and Expanded  (2026)  is a revealing, rollicking portrait of the Soviet underground rock legend Boris Grebenshchikov, who became the first to record in the West during the early, optimistic days of Glasnost. The film features Boris Grebenshchikov, Dave Stewart and members of legendary Russian rock band Aquarium, with special appearances by Annie Lennox, Chrissie Hynde, Ray Cooper, Crosby, Stills & Nash and many more.Playing this coming Wednesday at To Save and Project: The 22nd MoMA International Festival of Film Preservation this is an event that is a must see if you're in New York.We got to talk with producer Steven Lawrence about restoring this story, the additional epilogue he shot with Boris, working with Michael Apted, this films place in Rock Doc lore and so very much more....

When you're building a village that it takes to populate a movie, quality relationships matter...On this episode we are still deep in the throws of awards consideration season and we get the pleasure of diving into the Golden Globe winning 'The Secret Agent'.From Writer/Director Kleber Mendonça Filho, 'The Secret Agent' takes us back to Brazil, 1977. Marcelo, a technology expert in his early 40s, is on the run. He arrives in Recife during carnival week, hoping to reunite with his son but soon realizes that the city is far from being the non-violent refuge he seeks.It's a fictional story but pulled from the very real political strife that rocked Brazil in the late 70's.  Wagner Moura leads a massive cast which is why it was so fascinating to get a chance to sit down with Casting Director Gabriel Domingues about his work on the film, the importance of having a pre existing relationship with Writer/Director Kleber Mendonça Filho, and assembling a cast with dozens of actors and even more supporting and background players.Go and see 'The Secret Agent' anyway you can, it's already won some awards with many more to come.

The right song can not only brings the house down, but it can add layers to the story that you couldn't even imagine....On this episode we have a fun one as we get to sit with a genuine up and coming star.  We get to sit down with Aiyana-Lee to talk about her song in the movie 'Highest 2 Lowest'This is a straight up power house of a song that will not only bring the house down but it truly does some up the entire arc of the movie that sums up the story arc of music mogul David King (played by Denzel Washington) as he navigates his way and his families way through a life or death situation.We won't use the tired line of calling her an overnight success, but being discovered by Spike Lee on Instagram to being on set with Denzel is certainly one hell of a compelling story.  We talked about that, basically writing a whole album when Spike asked her for a song, her musical heritage, storytelling across artistic mediums and so very much more.Check out 'Highest 2 Lowest' on Apple TV+ now.

It takes a village, quite literally to build a village and tell a story...On this episode we're back in awards mode as we dive back into the world of 'Hamnet' with set decorator Alice Felton.We talked about how she got involved in the project, working from the source material, honouring the realities of a period piece without it being obvious and so very much more.Get to your local theatre and see 'Hamnet'

There's something about true crime stories that are still fresh in our collective memory that are just unsettling as all hell.On this episode, we dive into a true to life story as a serial killer gripped a nation and almost shattered a justice system.  Coming to VOD platforms on Friday Jan 16th it's time for 'Maldorer'.Based on/Inspired By a True Story that shook Belgium legal system, follows the case of a serial killer/sex offender, the faults in the system that let him slip through the system once eariler and the lives of the police who are affected more then we can ever appreciate in confronting crime of this nature.We had the pleasure of sitting down with writer/director Fabrice du Welz to talk about the original Affaire Dutroux, how the story has stayed with him as a kid, the influences the film pulls from the likes of Sydney Lumet all the way to David Fincher in capturing not only the horrible nature of the crime but how it affects the people trying to find justice.'Maldorer' is on VOD platforms as of Jan 16th from our friends at Film Movement, go check it out.

The biggest movie of the past year, actually may have been even bigger...On this episode we're going off world to Pandora to get some insights into the music and sounds of the world of 'Avatar: Fire & Ash'.We had the chance to sit down with composer Simon Franglen to talk about his extensive work on these films (you'll be stunned to find out how much) his working relationship with James Cameron, working on the song for the film with Miley Cyrus, the nature of film composing and the evolution of the job over the years.Go see 'Avatar: Fire & Ash' on the biggest screen possible, the way it's meant to be seen.

The outfit truly does make the character....We're still elbows deep in awards season coverage and we've got another good one for you as we get some insight into the craft behind 'Hamnet'.We had the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Malgosia Turzanska; costume designer on 'Hamnet; and a myriad of other high profile shoots.  We talking about getting involved with the project, how much creative rope she gets from a director like Chloe Zhao, truly understanding the source material and getting to work with the actors to help maximize every element of the characters that they bring to the screen.Go see 'Hamnet' in theatres everywhere now.

Sound is a character...For this episode we get to talk about a movie that made us excited about the movie going experience.  It's time for 'Sirat'.On it's surface, it's the story of a father accompanied by his son as they search for his missing daughter in North Africa, but it's also an immersive, even primal cinematic experience that hits audiences with walls of sound which are just as important to the narrative.We had the pleasure of talking with sound designer Laia Casanovas about her work on this incredibly unique cinematic experience.'Sirat' is in theatres in Toronto on Feb 13th

Music is all about relationships....On this episode we have the pleasure of sitting down with one of the most interesting composers working in the space today; Hildur Guðnadóttir.  With her work on Prime Video's 'Hedda' making the short list for the Academy Awards and her work on the film '28 Years Later: Bone Temple' hitting theatres this week,  it was the perfect time to sit and talk about the work, getting into the business the importance of relationships not only with actors but with a director like Nia DaCosta who she worked on both of these films with especially during awards season.Yet another strong talk as we kick off our year and we certainly hope you enjoy it.'Hedda's is on Prime Video now and '28 Years Later: Bone Temple' is in theatres this Friday.

Sometimes perspectives change...It's a new year and it's a new episode as we're already knee deep into Shortlists and Awards season consideration and it makes sense.  We had the pleasure of talking with Singer/Songwriter/Composer/Actor Sara Bareilles about her song 'Salt Then Sour Then Sweet' which was used in the new documentary on Apple+ 'Come See Me In The Good Light'.'Come See Me in the Good Light' is a poignant and unexpectedly funny love story about poets Andrea Gibson and Megan Falley facing an incurable cancer diagnosis with joy, wit and an unshakable partnership. Through laughter and unwavering love, they transform pain into purpose, and mortality into a moving celebration of resilience.I'll admit that when watching this for the first time, I actually felt a little uncomfortable watching as I was having trouble with as it made me uncomfortable watching it as it felt in conflict with my own emotions about being a care giver for a family member with terminal cancer, I felt uncomfortable viewing it all.  That is until the end credits and this song came on....Using the words of Andrea Gibson after she died, what Bareilles and Brandi Carlile do here is sum up what is a horrible emotional experience into a 3.5 minute experience that had this critic blubbering in tears.I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sara to talk about how she got involved in the project, the pressure of a job like this, working and repurposing someone else's art and the importance of storytelling leading with love.'Come See Me in the Good Light' is on Apple+ now.

Hollywood has always been a little complex in finding success, but there's a through line....On this very special episode we sit down with Bob Levin the President and COO of Screen Engine/ASI who has over two decades of experience at Disney, Sony and MGM in film marketing about his role in this new book 'How To Score In Hollywood: Secrets To Success In The Movie Business' that he wrote with Kevin Goetz.The book provides insight from top to bottom on all the tricks of the trade to get from an idea to an opening weekend box office gross and all the challenges in between.It was a pleasure to pick Bob's brain on the in's and out's of the process as well as tackling some of the more challenging ideas that are out there in a media landscape that is changing by the day.'How To Score In Hollywood: Secrets To Success In The Movie Business' is available online and at major retailers now.

Deep diving for the gems in the midst of awards season...On this special episode we going looking for some Canadian gold which has been turning up at theatres all across the country (and our own TIFF Lightbox) for a screening last night.  It's time for 'Measures of a Funeral'.A young academic pursues acclaimed early 20th-century Canadian violinist Kathleen Parlow while escaping her failed musician mother's shadow in this poignant character study.It's a haunting character study about the obsession for perfection and we had a great talk with writer/director Sofia Bohdanowicz  about her continuing collaboration with star Deragh Campbell, the films exceptional use of music and so very much more....Look for 'Measures of a Funeral' at a theatre near you!

Words can have impactful meanings....On this episode we're back on the festival circuit as Executive Producer Patty Jenkins introduces audiences to something with a grit underneath it's fingernails that makes us sad one minute and rolling in the aisles the next.  It's time for 'Junkie'.It's the story of Stevie (played by real life recovering addict Rocky Shay) who is just a perpetual screw-up on all kinds of levels.  She's escaped from rehab (again) and is trying to repay her debts while reconnecting with her estranged gay son Liam before skipping town for good.  It's the kind of emotional rollercoaster that is hard to look away from as we see flashes of redemption for Stevie along side the ever looming train wreck that has been her life up to this date.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with writer/director William Means and star Rocky Shay about the origins of it all and getting an award winning talent like Patty Jenkins involved with the project.

Sometimes you just have to go back and sit in its shade....On this special episode we're playing a little bit of catch up and looking into a film that had it's World Premiere back at Fantastic Fest this year, it's time to sit under 'The Tree Of Knowledge'.It's the story of Gaspard (Rui Pedro Silva), a teenager from the suburbs of Lisbon, who falls into the hands of the Ogre, a man who has made a pact with the Devil. The Ogre uses the boy to attract tourists, whom he transforms into animals and then kills. Gaspard escapes with a donkey and a dog that he has grown fond of, and in an enchanted manor, he meets the spirit of Queen D. Maria I of Portugal. Meanwhile, enraged, the Ogre sets off in pursuit.I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with filmmaker Eugène Green to talk about the origins of the story and so very much more....

In the realms of Science Fiction and Fantasy, the words 'To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before' now takes on a brand new meaning....On this very special episode we travel to the most inclusive and delightfully foul mouthed universes that we've ever had the pleasure of seeing on the big screen.  It's time for 'Lesbian Space Princess'.It's the story of a young space princess who is thrust out of her sheltered life and into a galactic quest to save her bounty hunter ex-girlfriend from the Straight White Maliens.Not only is this movie, charming and life-affirming it's also ridiculous and incredibly smart all at the same time.  Plus if that wasn't enough it's a feature length animated and independent production that was made for under $1 Million dollars which is pretty unheard of.We had the pleasure of sitting down with the writer/directors of the film Emma Hough Hobbs and Leela Varghese to talk about the origins of it all and crafting what hands down is one of the more original pieces of cinema put to screen this entire year.'Lesbian Space Princess' is in theatres now.

How do you step into a moment in cinematic and pop culture history?We'll admit we've been dark for a minute...and it hasn't been any artistic reason just straight up burn out....which means it was going to take something special to get us back in the saddle....and that saddle is 'Nouvelle Vague'.'Nouvelle Vague' is the story of a young Jean-Luc Godard who after his days as a critic writing for Cahiers du Cinema decides that the new form of film criticism will be to actually make a film himself.  He gets a low budget feature funded and with the help of Francois Truffaut develops a treatment about a young gangster couple along with his band of misfit toys and hence, 'Breathless' is born and cinematic history is made.Only someone like Richard Linklater could make a film about one of the more landmark cinematic moments of our time in the chaotic style that Godard himself made 'Breathless' and it makes for one of the most unique and unforgettable cinematic experiences of the year.We had the chance to talk with the young man who in his very first leading role stepped into the shoes of the iconic Jean Luc Godard to give us one of the more unique and original performances of the year.  In chatting with Guillaume Marbeck we got a little insight into the process that got him on this journey and what a celebration of cinema something like 'Nouvelle Vague' truly is.'Nouvelle Vague' is in select theatres now,

One of the genuine joys of being in the trenches at a film festival is that you get to be in honest to goodness awe of some of the cinema that gets produced.'While The Green Grass Grows: A Diary in Seven Parts' is a glorious chronicle of the miracles contained in everyday things and occurrences that allows for space to expose and embrace the fragility and profound nature of relationships, where reflections on the human condition and our environment flow together like streams in a river.Deeply personal, Intensely philosophical and all humanistic this film is something akin to visual poetry that wraps you up in it's over arching thematical message that wants us to appreciate the moment while acknowledging how quickly it can all change and be taken away from us.We had the pleasure of sitting down with filmmaker Peter Mettler about the making and process of this journey, his upcoming retrospective at the Lightbox and knowing when to say cut while in the editing bay on something that ends up being 7 hours long.A glorious slice of Canadiana art operating at it's highest level.

Getting enlightened to history that you both knew and didn't know was there is more then eye opening....We're in the thick of the madness at the Toronto International Film Festival and there 50th anniversary as we had the honor to take in a brand new documentary that enlightens us to the realties of the history of racism in Canada and beyond in the brilliant 'True North'.Through the use of never before seen compelling historic archives and the voices of those who lived through the tumultuous period of 1960s Montreal, 'True North' uses a bold cinematic aesthetic that centers the power of memory and archive to expose the pivotal events of a moment that impacted the global movement for Black liberation.'True North' is the kind of film that allows us to experience the realities of the time rather then get a didactic retelling of the history of it all and it makes for an immersive piece of cinema that transcends any kind of social politics and allows us to appreciate the genuine emotion of the time.We had the pleasure of sitting and talking with filmmaker Michèle Stephenson about this and so very much more with the film making it's World Premiere at TIFF.Keep your eyes open for 'True North' as it makes the festival rounds because it's an important piece of not only Canadian history but Canadian cinema as well.

Sometimes it's easy to forget to look up....On this very special episode we dive into a movie on VOD platforms now that reminds us the need to look up.  It's time for 'Star People'.On March 13, 1997, thousands of people in Arizona witnessed the largest mass UFO sighting in U.S. history—now famously known as The Phoenix Lights. Among them was 10-year-old Claire, who felt as if the lights called to her. Years later, Claire (Kat Cunning), now a photographer, is still chasing that moment, hoping to capture the lights on camera and finally make sense of what she saw.  When a mysterious tip leads her deep into the Arizona desert during a deadly heatwave with her UFO streamer boyfriend (Connor Paolo) and troubled brother (McCabe Slye)  in tow, they encounter a vulnerable immigrant family whose plight complicates her mission. As tensions rise, Claire searches for the answers she seeks on terra firma and among the stars.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with writer/director Adam Finberg to discuss the origins of the story and so very much more.'Star People' is on VOD platforms now,

Story always has to come first....On this special episode we look a sweet little rom-com that also happens to be an indigenous story.  It's time for 'Sweet Summer Pow-Wow'.'Sweet Summer Pow Wow' is the story of a young Indigenous couple get a break from their troubled lives when they find each other through a summer of love on the Pow-Wow circuit.We've seen the story of young love finding each other in the middle of challenges in their youth before but seeing it through the prism of indigenous storytelling we are reminded that we're all pretty damn similar in the first place.And that's the whole point as we talk with co-writer/director Darrell Dennis and his star Tatyana Rose Baptiste about the importance of leading with story first, the built in nature of storytelling and the myriad of franchises that could be out there if Hollywood wants to mine some indigenous culture in a money making kind of way.'Sweet Summer Pow Wow' is in theatres now.

There's nothing wrong with embracing a little bit of the weird....On this special episode we look at some indie DIY animation that embraces being a little out there.  It's time for 'Boys Of Jupiter'.It's the day after Christmas in suburban Florida and Billy 5000 (Jack Corbett) and his friends pass the seemingly endless days by slacking, shoplifting, and beatboxing. In between lounging on the beach and sneaking into pools, Billy spends his time hustling on the food-on-demand app Grubster, desperate to make $5,000 before New Year's Eve. As he darts around the city delivering to a series of oddball characters, a routine stop at the mysterious Dolphin Groves Juice Company leads to a run-in with his former classmate—and crush—Rozebud (Miya Folick) and a surprise backpack stowaway in Donut, a bizarre creature from another world. But Dr. Dolphin (Janeane Garofalo), the powerful orange juice CEO, will do anything to get Donut back, and Billy is forced to make hard choices about love, friendship, and how far he'll go for financial security in a world ruled by capitalism.It's indie animation with a Gen-Z slacker feel that borrows from anyone from Kevin Smith and even Richard Linklater and we had the pleas of sitting down with writer/director Julian Glander about doing animation on a shoestring budget, the rounded edges of this universe and so very much more....'Boys of Jupiter' is at the TIFF Lightbox now.

It's so easy to forget sometimes that the most important thing you can do sometimes is just not give up...On this episode we dive into the world of hand drawn animation being produced by a country for the very first time.  It's time for 'The Glassworker'.'The Glassworker' is the story of a young glassblower in training and his relationships over the years, as his land goes through war and strife.Evoking memories of Studio Ghibli and Cartoon Saloon this is a personal and inspirational story on so many levels we had the pleasure of sitting down with co-writer/director Usman Riaz about not only the origins of the story but the origins of him mounting his own animation studio which is a first for Pakistan and a reminder in the power of simply not quitting as this film is easily over 10 years in the making.'The Glassworker' is playing at the TIFF Lightbox now.

When you can survive the meat grinder of the news cycle AND late night comedy for over 1600 episodes....you must be pretty good at your job.On this episode we go into the writers room of one of the most successful late night TV shows of the modern age, welcome to 'The Daily Show'.It's never 'old hat' for head writer Dan Amira who has been nominated (and won) at the Emmys on multiple occasions.  We talk about the evolution of show over the years, the stress of having to throw out something you've already written based on some news that just came down the wire, the importance of research and working on his dream job.'The Daily Show' airs on Comedy Central in the States, CTV here in Canada and shows up the next day on Paramount Plus everywhere.

Small town life can come with its complications....On this very special episode we engage in one of our favourite past times by taking in some high quality Canadiana.  It's time for 'Sweet Angel Baby'.It takes us to a small seaside fishing town, where a young woman has her life upended after her online presence and persona strains relationships inside the community.If you've ever lived in a small town, you know where this one is going, but kudos to writer/director Melanie Oates for really bringing some nuance and genuine humanity to this story.We talked with Melanie about where it all began, shooting the film, the art of storytelling and so very much more....'Sweet Angel Baby' is in the theatres this Friday Aug 15th.

Discussions are important, but actually educating ourselves on the things we're going to have discussions about is that much more important.On this very special episode we get a little heavy and a little serious as a film that has been doing it's festival tour to much protest and objection is now available for the masses to see for themselves.Without authorization, filmmaker Anastasia Trofimova embeds in a Russian Army battalion fighting in Ukraine. Gaining rare access, she captures a conflict that shatters families, history, and identity. Her raw, frontline footage reveals disillusioned soldiers questioning their purpose.It's a stark and stunning piece of cinema that reiterates the simple truth that no on ever really wins at war.After it's various protests and obstacles placed in front of the release of the film, it's finally being made available to masses to rent directly from the filmmakers at their new website; www.russiansatwar.comAlong with the film, behind the scenes footages and stories surrounding the controversy of the film, this website is really is the complete package to get a sense of the entire story of this film, which has evolved beyond what Anastasia put on the screen.We got to talk with Anastasia as well as producer Cornelia Principe about the journey of the film and so very much more....Visit www.russiansatwar.com to learn more....

When you are looking into the soul of a rock star things can get a little heavy...On this episode we dive into even more Emmy nominated goodness as we go on stage to get a little insight into what makes a rock star with 'Bono: Stories of Surrender'.Bono shares life stories and U2 songs in an intimate show, exploring relationships with family, friends, and faith. Features unseen footage from his Beacon Theatre performances of "Stories of Surrender."Capturing a show like this for the screen can always be a unique challenge which is why director Andrew Dominik and award winning (and Emmy nominated) DP Erik Messerschmidt were up for the challenge.We talked with Erik about coming onto a show like this, the unique way in way they shot it, working with icons and how he stays focused on the job.'Bono: Stories of Surrender' is on Apple + now.

You can do more then you can imagine in a short amount of time....On this episode we are looking at even more Emmy nominated stuff as we go behind the scenes on one of the bigger and bolder episodes of a sitcom that this critic has ever seen.  It's time for 'The Righteous Gemstones'.In Season 4, Episode 1, "Prelude" takes us to the height of the civil war where Elijah Gemstone (Bradley Cooper) receives a divine wake up call.It's only 39 minutes long, but it's as busy and loaded as a feature film and a big part of that is cinematographer Paul Daley as this is a big and loud (and Emmy Nominated) episode.We got to talk to Paul about coming on to the job, the freedom he had to give this a big and bold feel while shooting mostly out in the wilderness and so very much more....Catch up on 'The Righteous Gemstones; on Crave up here in Canada.

Sometimes in this racket, you just have to ask questions.When TV shows become pop culture juggernauts you need to look at all areas to get a sense of that secret sauce.  Up again for MANY more Emmy's it's time to talk 'Rupaul's Drag Race'.With it having 17 season in and 29 Primetime Emmy's under its belt there is no denying that 'RuPaul's Drag Race has evolved into a cultural phenomenon.  But how do you cast for a show like this?Enter Emmy nominated casting director Goloka Bolte to talk about the evolution of the show, the art of casting, what the job entails and so very much more....

It's just as much about what you don't hear then what you do hear....On this very special episode it's time for some more Emmy nominated fare as we go behind the scenes on one of the more stylish movies to hit one of our favourite streaming services.  On Apple+ it's time to go into 'The Gorge'.Two highly-trained operatives (Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy) are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from an undisclosed, mysterious evil that lurks within. They bond from a distance while trying to stay vigilant in defending against an unseen enemy. When the cataclysmic threat to humanity is revealed to them, they must work together in a test of both their physical and mental strength to keep the secret in the gorge before it's too late.Very much a movie that allows our imaginations to run wild and sound plays a big factor in that.  I had the pleasure of talking with the Emmy nominated sound editing/design team to get some insight on the job, the creative payoffs to it and so very much more....'The Gorge' is streaming on Apple+ now.

Shows can evolve to be so much more then what they put on the table...On this very special episode we are celebrating and diving into the behind the scenes work on many of our favourite TV shows that just happen to be Emmy nominated this year.  It's time for 'Chef's Table''Chef's Table' goes inside the lives and kitchens of the world's most renowned international chefs. Each episode puts chefs under a unique lens as we some insight into who these people are both in and out of the kitchen.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with executive producer Danny O'Malley who just got nominated for Outstanding Documentary Or Nonfiction Series at the Emmy's to talk about getting on the project, the secret sauce of it all that makes it work so very well and all that much more.Check out 'Chef's Table' in all its iterations on Netflix.

It's easier then you think to be pulled in two different directions by two different worlds....On this episode we get to talk about a glorious little slice of Can-Con pulled straight from the GTA. It's time for 'Shook'.After an encounter with his estranged father, aspiring writer Ash (Saamer Usmani) finds himself at a crossroads as he has to deal with a secret that will force him to balance family, love and success while navigating the difficult divide between the excitement of city life that he wants and the suburban domestic truths that lie a head.It's a classic tale with a swing on it that hits close to home and in advance of the movie hitting theatres today we had the pleasure of sitting down with Co-Writer/Director Amar Wala to talk about the origins of 'Shook' the process of making it all and so very much more....'Shook' is in theatres now.

It's time to get....loud...Appropriate that on this episode we're going a little high octane with the three episode premiere of 'Twisted Metal: Season 2' which is now streaming on Paramount Plus.Following the dramatic events that ended season one, our heroes John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) find themselves entering the deadly 'Twisted Metal' tournament; a savage demolition derby hosted by the mysterious Calypso.  As our duo faces some new foes and familiar faces things get complicated for John when his long lost sister reenters the equation.It's hard to believe but things get bigger, bolder and even more smashy in Season 2.  We got the pleasure of sitting down with the one and only Stephanie Beatriz to talk about coming back for more, the fun in the chaos of it all, getting a little break from the dudefest that was Season 1 and so very much more....'Twisted Metal' will see new episodes of Season 2 dropping every week alongside Season 1 on Paramount Plus here in Canada so there's no excuse to not catch up on the fun.

Sometimes there are stories that you wish didn't have to be told....On this episode we are reminded of some of the vital shorter pieces of cinema on the myriad of streaming services out there in the market place.  Available on Paramount Plus now it's time for 'The Children of October 7th'Israeli children share their Oct 7 Hamas attack experiences with activist Montana Tucker, describing survival, captivity, parental loss, and home invasions as they process their trauma.Even at a mere 36 minutes long this was a harrowing and vital piece of cinema that we can't recommend highly enough if only to remind ourselves of the horrors of that day that are still being played out today.We had the chance to speak with singer/songwriter and social media activist Montana Tucker who has been bringing necessary attention to this plight as she sat down with the subjects in this film to relive and highlight what happened to them on that harrowing day.We talked about the importance of these difficult conversations and stories that are told in this film and so very much more.'The Children of October 7th' is streaming on Paramount Plus every where.

Unfortunately it's the hard conversations which are the ones that usually need to be had....On this very special episode we dive into a story that is simply all too real.  It's time for 'Sovereign'.It's the story of a father and his teenage son; Jerry and Joseph Kane (Nick Offerman and Jacob Tremblay) who follow the Sovereign Citizen belief system, a deeply anti-establishment worldview rooted in distrust of government authority. As the pair travel across the country delivering self-taught legal seminars and pushing back against systems they believe have failed them, their journey brings them into conflict with Police Chief Jim Bouchart (Dennis Quaid), setting off a tragic chain of events that forces a reckoning with power, principle, and the limits of freedom. Inspired by true events.At the intersection of conspiracy, mental health and social and legal institutions that are ill equipped to deal with them all we have 'Sovereign' which is a stunning film from first time filmmaker Christian Swegal.We got to talk with Christian about the origins of the story, getting this load cast together our collective need to be more understanding of each other's journey's and so very much more.'Sovereign' is in theatres and on VOD platforms now.

World building occasionally requires some subtle touches....On this episode we are diving head first into the world of 'Eddington' which is in theatres now.From the mind of Ari Aster, 'Eddington' takes us to May of 2020, where a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Joaquin Phoenix) and mayor (Pedro Pascal) sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.This is such cringe inducing satire that it's almost too soon as we run the gamut of emotions with the denizens of this small town as we get transported back to such a culturally in certain time that we are still navigating today.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with costume designer Anna Terrazas about joining this world, crafting the slightly worn and sundrenched world of this town where we all just began to forget about how to function in a modern society that has changed irrevocably in the wake of the pandemic as well as working with Ari Aster and finding a vision that we just can't look away from.  It's Western, it's satire, and it's everything else in-between.  Imagine 'Bad Day At Black Rock' desperately needing a Xanax refill.

When the man who plays a renaissance man in one of your favorite movies growing up actually turns out to be an ACTUAL renaissance man, it's ok to meet your heroes.On this incredibly special episode we get the chance to talk with an actor who helped to form our love of movies but also happens to be a ridiculous cool and well rounded dude to boot, we allowed ourselves to be a little bit of a nerd as we sat down with the one and only Peter Weller to talk about his new film 'Bang' but a little bit of everything else inbetween.When feared hitman Bang (Jack Kesy) questions his violent life after a near-death experience by seeing a future beyond bloodshed, he wants out—but his crime boss (Peter Weller) won't let him go without a fight.We had the unique pleasure of talking with Peter about getting this 'fun' script, pronouncing his director's name, what keeps him getting out of bed in the morning, the legacy of some of his more iconic films like Buckaroo Bonzai and Robocop, the music of acting, which led to directing and him ultimately getting his Phd in Italian Renaissance Art History with his book,  Leon Battista Alberti in Exile: Tracing the Path to the First Modern Book on Painting which is going into a second printing from Cambridge University Press right now, so hurry up and get your copies on order now.While he may not be a brain surgeon/rocket scientist/rock star like Buckaroo Bonzai, Peter Weller is one hell of an interesting guy who at the age of 78 who wants to keep working and creating until he drops and as someone who aspires to live even a fraction of the life that he has lived, we can't say that we blame him.  Doctor Peter Weller is a true renaissance man (in more ways then one) and it was a pleasure to talk with him.'Bang' is on all VOD platforms now.

It's nice....when things are just nice....We're a little late to the dance on this one but on this episode we dive into one of our favourite movies of the year with 'The Life of Chuck'.From the mind of Stephen King and the vision of Mike Flanagan; 'The Life of Chuck' is a profoundly magical story about the importance of living life and appreciating every minute of it that takes us through the life of one Charles Krantz (Tom Hiddleston) in three very distinct chapters.Low key one of our favourite movies of the year that people need to see, we had the chance to talk with the one and only Matthew Lillard who played a key role in how the story unfolds.  We talked with him about working with Mike Flanagan, the philosophy of the story, how he's lived his life to the fullest and so very much more.'The Life of Chuck' is in theatres now....

It doesn't take much to change to course of a war...On this episode we drive down the VOD superhighway once more to take a look at a gritty slice of indie genre cinema featuring one of the final performances of the iconic Michael Madsen who we just recently lost.  It's time for 'Resurrection Road'.An elite squad of six soldiers, led by ex-slave Barabbas, is sent on a suicide mission to infiltrate a heavily guarded Confederate fort hidden deep in the Arkansas wilderness. Their objective: destroy the fort's long-range guns and shift the tide of the war. But as they venture further into enemy territory, the mission takes a chilling turn. The soldiers uncover a dark and sinister secret buried within the heart of the forest—one that will test their courage, loyalty, and will to survive like never before.A fun and grimy piece of genre cinema, we had the unique pleasure of sitting down and talking with writer/director Ashley Cahill about the origins of it all.'Resurrection Road' is on VOD platforms now....

If you hear it, it's too late....On this episode we dive head first into a hidden gem now available on VOD.  It's time for 'The Sound'A world-class group of climbers is granted access to the Forbidden Wall, a mysterious rock wall previously closed for decades. Among the climbers is Sean (Marc Hills), whose grandfather made an ill-fated attempt 63 years earlier. During the group's ascent, they come face to face with a malevolent force that quickly turns their expedition into a harrowing battle for survival hundreds of feet above the ground.This is really a great example of doing more with less as it uses sound design and the idea of isolation and makes it a chilling ride.We talked with writer/director Brendan Devane about the origins of the story and so very much more....

It's nice to see genre cinema executed with real layers to it....On this episode we get to deal with some Canadian cinema getting love and co-funding south of the border.  It's time for '40 Acres'.After a plague eradicates all animal life, famine spreads across the globe leaving society at war and in ruins, but the Freemans are surviving — even thriving — on their ancestral farm so long as they dispatch the occasional raiding party. But what good is surviving the end of the world if it means snuffing out your own humanity? Former soldier Hailey (Danielle Deadwyler) made that choice years ago, believing that isolation was the only way to protect her family. She and her partner Galen (Michael Greyeyes) fled the collapse along with their children, fenced them off from the world and trained them to fight (and, yes, kill). But now Hailey's eldest Emanuel (Kataem O'Connor) is a young man, and when he meets a young woman (Milcania Diaz-Rojas) in the forest beyond the fence, his need for human contact could place the whole family in jeopardy.'40 Acres' takes the best of the likes of Carpenter and Romero and sprinkles in some genuine cultural and societal relevance in this familiar yet wholly original yarn.  R.T. Thorne has laid his claim to being a self-assured filmmaker that isn't afraid to combine the best of all worlds to give audiences something both entertaining and intellectually engaging.We had the unique pleasure of sitting down co-writer/director R.T. Thorne about so many of elements at play in this film, the freedom allowed in genre cinema, working with Danielle Deadwyler and about being a storyteller that isn't afraid to spark conversation and entertain, all at the same time.'40 Acres' is in theatres now

There's generally nothing worse then not really knowing....On today's episode we dive into a thoughtful piece of home grown cinema beginning it's run at the Carlton here in downtown Toronto.  It's time for 'Inedia'.It's the story of a young woman while struggling with a mysterious food allergy finds herself back away from friends, family even the world as a whole as her problems just won't go away.  She ultimately finds herself drawn to a radical community who claim to be nourished by light.  However the long she stays there the more she begins to question if this is the right place to be, not only for her but the other people she meets in this community where everything isn't quite as it seems.This is really a thoughtful piece of cinema that takes a look at the societal need to really be kinder to one another as no one person truly knows what is going on in the journey of another and it deftly plays with the ideas of how we actually don't know nearly as much as we think we do especially when it comes down to our friends and even our family.  Writer/Director Liz Cairns has crafted a deftly nuanced character study of a young woman trying to take care of herself with no clear path to a result in a story that actually wants to think and ask questions rather then look for an easy solution to make everyone else around them feel better.   It's always nice to see films that want you to ask questions rather then look for the answers because (at least from our perspective) that's truly the essence of the human experience.Star Amy Forsyth really tears into the emotional uncertainty of her character and it is a magnetic thing to watch, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Amy to talk about the nature of the project, the emotional challenges of the character, the collective need for us all to be a little nicer to one another and finding your way through the tall grass of being a working actor in North America.'Inedia' is playing at the Carlton Cinema here in downtown Toronto.

It takes a village to make our favourite TV show and films....On this episode we get to indulge a little bit of our fandom as we get to dive into what made the 4th season of 'Slow Horses" streaming now on Apple+ tick.We sat down with the editing team of Robert Frost and Harrison Wall to get some insight on working on a season of a show like 'Slow Horses".  How soon are they involved in the process, how editing scratches creative itches and the joy of getting to be involved on a show like 'Slow Horses''Slow Horses' Season 4 is streaming on Apple+ now and we selfishly hope that both Robert and Harrison get nominated for Emmy's because we want to see more of their great work on the future episodes to come.'Slow Horses' is streaming on Apple+ now.

The art of movement is so vital on many levels....On this episode we're in the middle of Emmy campaigning as we look at one of our favourite shows on Prime Video.  It's time for 'Etoile'.Geneviève (Charlotte Gainsbourg) of the Paris Opera Ballet and Jack (Luke Kirby) at the New York City Ballet exchange top dancers in an effort to lure audiences back in the drama series created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino.From 'The Marvelous Mrs Maisel' to 'Etoile' the importance of movement and dance is vital to the story being told.  We had the unique pleasure of sitting down with Choreographer Marguerite Derricks to talk about her work on the show and beyond on films like 'Showgirls' and 'Striptease'.'Etoile' is on Prime Video now.

The outfit not only makes the man....but it makes the show as well....On the brink of Emmy voting closing we dive into one of the great shows on the Apple + streaming service and some insight on the art of costume design with Sarah Edwards, costume designer on the show.We talked about getting the job, when in the creative process she historically gets involved and lots of the little nuances that elevate a show like 'Severance' into the beloved status where it is now.'Severance' Season 2 is on Apple+ now.

The game of life....does take place on a board.....hmmmm....On this episode we dive headlong into a world that this critic lives adjacent to but wasn't quite up to speed with...  It's time for 'The Hobby: Tales From The Tabletop'.'The Hobby: Tales From The Tabletop' follows a select group of board game enthusiasts as they explore all aspects of the modern age of gaming and how people ultimately find purpose and community through the games that they play.I'll admit to knowing that this world existed but we weren't up to speed on it and if you have any kind of passion or hobby in your life you'll be able to slip into this world as effortlessly as you would a warm bath.   It's all an inspiring kind of fun.We had the pleasure of sitting down with director Simon Ennis about the origins of the film, the nature of the board community why it's 'The Hobby' and how this shared culture is yet another example of the nerds of the world reigning supreme.

Family dynamics are always complicated....On this special episode we're highlighting even more stellar Canadiana that is in theatres now at the Scotiabank here in downtown Toronto.  It's time for 'His Father's Son'The dynamic shifts in an Iranian/Canadian family as they struggle to reconcile their past after the news of an unexpected inheritance.Rarely have we seen such a story of family drama crafted with such subtle beats and quiet moments, it's an exceptional piece of cinema from writer/director Meelad Moaphi.We had the unique pleasure of talking with Meelad about the origins of the story, the careful storytelling beats used which made this incredibly universal and so very much more.'His Father's Son' opens at the Scotiabank Theatre here in downtown Toronto, with cast and crew in attendance for Q&A's tonight and tomorrow.

Gotta celebrate the homegrown talent....On this episode we dive head first into a brand new local production that just got extended for another week at the Scotiabank Theatre here in Toronto.  It's time for 'Boxcutter'Aspiring rapper, Rome, has all the talent and vision, but his crippling insecurity prevents him from sharing his music without a celebrity co-sign. When he learns that megastar producer Richie Hill will be making an appearance in Toronto's Parkdale neighbourhood, Rome devises a plan to get his album into Richie's hands.However, disaster strikes when Rome's apartment is burgled, and his only copy of the album is stolen.With the help of his activist-artist friend Jenaya, Rome sets out on a frantic mission to track down his four producers and reassemble his album. As they scour the gentrifying city, Rome struggles with self-doubt, while Jenaya challenges his need for industry approval, advocating for art that is as accessible as it is expressive.Hijinks ensue and their relationship is tested, but when Rome finally comes face to face with Richie Hill, he has a tough choice to make: finally pitch for that industry co-sign or take a leap of faith and bet on himself?While we've admittedly seen this kind of story before, it's rare to see a movie that is so specific to its surroundings as it oozes Toronto energy throughout and adds that many extra layers for those who live in the 416/905 getting to watch it.We had the pleasure of sitting down with director Reza Dahya to talk about the origings of the film, getting it all together, it's slick visual esthetic and the connections between music and film that run deeper then most of us realize.Check out 'Boxcutter' this weekend at the Scotiabank Theatre here in Toronto.

Sex is natural....and it can be pretty funny....On this episode we go head first into that issue we never like to talk about even though the birds do it, the bees do it....and pretty much everyone else does it.  It's time for 'Two Women'.Violette is having a difficult maternity leave. Florence is dealing with depression. Despite their careers and families, they feel like failures. Florence's first infidelity is a revelation. When having fun is far down the list of priorities, sleeping with a delivery guy could be revolutionary.A rare sex farce comedy that actually leads with honesty and intelligence rather then goofy salacious moments, 'Two Women' is an absolute delight and we had the pleasure of sitting down with director Chloe Robichaud  over breakfast here in downtown Toronto (apologies for the new mic) about the origins of the story, keeping the comedy adult and honest as well as the art of direction and having a conversation via film that could be interpreted as difficult but is also more vital then we really admit when it comes to our collective sexual needs and desires.'Two Women' is in select theatres across Canada now.

The amount of skilled artisans it takes to make our favourite TV shows and films still actively blows my mind.On this episode we're back into the art of editing as we talk with a myriad of artisans putting their work up in hopes of being considered for the Emmy's.  It's time to dive into 'Overcompensating'The team behind this show certainly weren't as everyone brings there talent to bear on showrunner Benito Skinner's newest effort and we got to talk with the editing team of Todd Downing and Amelia Allwarden about their collaboration on the material, the show's use of music, how involved they were in the overall creative process and so very much more.'Overcompensating' is streaming on Prime Video now.

It really does take a village to elevate some of our beloved films and TV shows....On this episode we find ourselves in Emmy Consideration season as all the teams behind all of our favourite shows are lining up to get recognized for all their hard work.. On this episode we head into the editing bay of the beloved 'Only Murders In The Building' which streams on Hulu and Disney+.We had the please of sitting down with Editor Matthew Barbato to talk about his hard work on Season 4, the stylistic challenges that can only be conquered in the editing bay along with general insight on the art form of editing itself.All four seasons of 'Only Murders In The Building' are available for streaming now if you find yourself needing to catch up before the fall seasons of so many of our favourite shows ultimately land on our doorsteps.